Welcome from the Head

For 40 years, The Chicago Academy for the Arts has been one of Illinois’ great independent schools, an important Chicago cultural institution, and “home” to hundreds of brilliant young artists characterized by their  passion, purpose, and excellence.

The Academy’s “co-curricular” educational model is simple, yet transformational. Our rigorous academic program and immersive, pre-professional arts training prepare our students for an incredible variety of paths beyond high school, leading successful, meaningful lives in the arts and well beyond.

The 180 graduates from 2017 to 2021 earned nearly $39 million in college scholarships (that’s not a typo!) and gained admission to the nation’s best colleges, universities, and conservatories, from CalArts to Juilliard; from Stanford to Princeton.

From the Grammy Awards to the New York Times Bestseller List, our alums are not only succeeding in the professional arts world, they are prepared to define it. And as physicists, entrepreneurs, attorneys, software developers, and more, Academy grads are thriving in a breathtaking variety of fields.

Most importantly, however, The Academy is characterized by its community: inspired academic teachers, professional artists with a passion for mentorship, and an incredible student body. It is a unique privilege to be immersed every day in a community of people so deeply invested in being here.

Thank you for taking a closer look at our school: we are eager to show you what makes The Academy such a special place to be.

Welcome to The Chicago Academy for the Arts. And, welcome home.

Jason Patera
Head of School